Driver's License Test Prep
Oregon Practice Licensing Process

You arrive at an Oregon DMV office for your drive test. Which item is REQUIRED to be in working order on your test vehicle?

  1. A.
    Working brake lights. Correct
  2. B.
    Working headlights.
  3. C.
    Tires with at least 4/32 inch of remaining tread depth.
  4. D.
    A current emissions sticker.
The Why

The answer is "Working brake lights."

Oregon's required-equipment list for the drive test specifies that brake lights must be in working order. The list also covers the vehicle starting under its own power, turn signals (front and back), the horn, a passenger door that opens and closes with the handle from inside and outside, a secure and reasonably clean passenger seat, seatbelts, undamaged tires, a muffler without excessive leaks, valid registration display, side or rearview mirrors, and unobstructed views. Headlights, taillights, windshield wipers, traction tires or chains, and a window defroster are required only "if weather conditions require." If any listed item fails the equipment check, you have to reschedule the drive test.

Why the others miss

The traps in the wrong answers

B. Working headlights.

Headlights are required only if weather conditions require them, not on every drive test. Misreading: Treats a weather-conditional item from the 'if weather conditions require' list as if it were on the always-required equipment list.

C. Tires with at least 4/32 inch of remaining tread depth.

The manual's tire rule on the test-vehicle list states only that tires must not be bald or damaged; no specific tread-depth measurement is part of the equipment check. Misreading: Substitutes a specific tread-depth threshold for the manual's actual tire rule, which requires only that tires not be bald or damaged.

D. A current emissions sticker.

The required-equipment list calls for displaying valid registration; emissions stickers are not on the test-vehicle list. Misreading: Confuses a general vehicle-compliance item with the manual's specific test-vehicle list, which names only 'Display valid registration.'

The Rule

This question tests your knowledge of Licensing Process in Oregon. Source: Oregon Driver Manual, "Testing: Drive Test, Test Vehicle," p.4..

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